Path: utzoo!utgpu!news-server.csri.toronto.edu!cs.utexas.edu!uunet!zephyr.ens.tek.com!tektronix!sequent!lugnut
From: lugnut@sequent.UUCP (Don Bolton)
Newsgroups: comp.databases
Subject: Re: Need INFO from INFORMIX users.
Keywords: INFORMIX
Message-ID: <42333@sequent.UUCP>
Date: 13 Sep 90 17:37:35 GMT
References: <4779@jato.Jpl.Nasa.Gov> <42135@sequent.UUCP> <1990Sep12.143033.6353@balr.com>
Reply-To: lugnut@sequent.UUCP (Don Bolton)
Organization: Sequent Computer Systems, Inc
Lines: 50

In article <1990Sep12.143033.6353@balr.com> segel@balr.UUCP (Michael Segel) writes:
>In article <42135@sequent.UUCP> lugnut@sequent.UUCP (Don Bolton) writes:
>
>>NONE I know of, I'd load it all into a "temp" table and then apply the
>>logic to insert what you need to the real table. I have little respect
>>for the Informix load utility. Usually use Oracle loader and then extract
>>out in Informix acceptable format flat file and load from there.
>>>
>	Well ISQL is fairly primitive. I think the best solution would
>be to load it into a temp file, then write a program in the querry language
>to make your final table. (Which is what is being recommended.) Now,
>IF you had 4gl, I would suggest using a C routine to load the data into
>a set of variables and pass this data on to a 4gl program to build
>your table of data.
>	I agree that the Informix load utilities are primitive, I belive
>their primary function was to allow for a simple method of
>transfering data in and out of tables. However, I don't think that
>your solution "Usually use Oracle loader and then extract out in 
>Informix acceptable ...." is too viable. Not many people have both
>Oracle and Informix and use both. I think it is , shall we say , 
>cost prohibitive?
>
>Not that I am trying to bash Don for replying, but I think it
>interesting that his approach to solving the problem is to use 
>Oracle to solve a deficiency in Informix. I mean, that if Don does
>a lot of 4gl work, why not make an Informix solution to solve
>the problem?
>
Actualy I wasn't specific as to what my "usually" entails.. I recieve
lists of names and addresses from our field offices for use in direct
marketing campaigns, depending on the storage medium at their site and
the unloaders literacy quotient with the product, the files I recieve
vary from Informix unloads to label format files. The label format files
are EASY to load into "O" the loader and its continueif etc make it a
*simple* task.

I should look into a 4gl solution, however at this point my time is
fragmented to the point that I've just used the tools with which I
am familiar. Now when it comes time to have the two database products
cross communicate, I at least have that worked out. :-)

>Please take this comment with a grain of salt. 

Yes I did...

>I don't want anyone to flame me for something they thought I said.
>or that they have read into my posting.
>
>Cheers
>-Mike